reproductive health services for adolescents - Pathfinder International

Module 16/Unit 12
CONTENT
Knowledge/Attitudes/Skills
Training/Learning Methods
(Time Required)
Special Provider Characteristics for
Managing Adolescents During the
Birthing Process
• The provider’s demeanor to support
adolescents during the birthing
process requires patience,
understanding, explanations,
compassion, and caring. Adapt to the
adolescent’s individual needs in order
to support her coping efforts.
• Create an atmosphere of inclusion
with family and/or identified support
person(s).
• When preparing to perform
examinations and procedures,
explain to the adolescent and her
support person what you will be doing
and why; perform maneuvers slowly
and gently.
• Use firm but caring speech to get the
adolescent’s attention. Shouting is
never acceptable.
GENERAL SUPPORT FUNCTIONS
FOR THE LABORING ADOLESCENT
• Ensure privacy and prevent the
adolescent from being exposed to
others as a sign of respect for the
client as a person.
• Keep the adolescent clean and dry.
This promotes relaxation and reduces
the risk of infection. Give special
attention to cleaning away any blood,
feces, and amniotic fluid from the
genital area. Refresh the adolescent
with cool wet cloths if she perspires
heavily; change her damp clothing
and bedding, if possible.
LECTURETTE (15 MIN.)
The trainer should:
• Give a brief lecturette on support for
the laboring adolescent using
information from the content section
on the left-hand side of the page.
Make sure to include information on
the different stages of labor.
• Ask if there are any questions of
comments.
Pathfinder International
165
Adolescent Curriculum